Recommendations on long life Dodge Ram?

[davem]

I have been running GM diesels for close to 10 years, the most recent a 1995 GMC Yukon with 6. 5 Turbo. The only reason is it served the family well as a large station wagon.



The first one was a 1983 with 7 rebuilds for the 700R4 automatic by 200,000 miles, but the engine was okay (real weak, but reliable). The current 1995 is going on the 4th fuel injection pump - with fuel conditioner/lube additive in every tankful. Enough, although the 4L80E auto has been solid.



I've owned Dodge products over the years and now considering the TD Ram with an automatic. I drove one and liked it. However I know little about what it takes to make them live even though I've been twisting wrenches for over 20 years.



What are the weak points of the 1998. 5 and up trucks with autos? Are there reliable methods of building in additional reliability in the automatics (like a Transgo shift kit, improved torque converter)? What about the fuel system - is the new electronic fuel system as buggy as the GM? It really isn't a lot of fun stalling in front of 70 mph traffic when a pump goes bad. I don't tow often and when I do it isn't overdone, but still want to get over 200k without tearing something up.



Just looking for some ideas. It is my first day as member here - looks like a lot of info.

 

[Big White Beast]

Welcome aboard!

The best person to talk to about your auto trany is Bill K. Do a search on transmissions and his name will always pop up. I have a big work truck that is mildly bombed and the transmission is holding up fine. I am going for the upgrades though. It seems the more I log on to the TDR the more I feel the need for power



As far as making the cummins last - Regular maintenance should do the trick. The truck is another story. Deal with that as it happens.



Garrett

 

[John Berger]

Treat it like a 7000 pound family member

As for the engine: Drive it like you stole it. Sort of. Keep up on the maintenance, don't chintz on spending a few extra bucks for upkeep, after all the truck cost you a bunch of money. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. I would consider the 5 or 6 speed over the auto, but that's personal preference.

 

[LSMITH]

Keep up with the routine maintenance for the whole truck and it will last a long time. The lift pump that feeds the injection pump is known for common failure, and if it is bad can take out the injection pump, but otherwise the Cummins has a very solid electronically controlled injection system. Increasing the line pressure on the auto trans via shift kit or valvebody will help the life of the transmission by preventing slippage. A real quality valvebody (like DTT) will raise the line pressure and raise the shift points also raising pressures. Although it is beaten badly on this board the stock transmission is a good unit, it just needs a little tweaking and proper care to last a good long time.



edit to fix spelling error

 

[DennyDay]

Long life

Key to long life:



1. Good quality oil

2. Good quality filters

3. Good quality fuel

4. Rigid maintenance schedule

5. Fix the little things before they become a major problem



Good Luck

Denny

 

[BillGotthelf]

If you keep it stock follow the advise above and it will last forever. My friend who owns a large transmission repair shop says that he sees less Dodge truck tranies than any other by far, especially diesals. The area I live in has almost as many dodges as fords and definetly more than gee emm. The more power the more trany modes you will have to make. If you want to play you gotta pay.

 

[DHawthorne]

Glad to see your cummin over to the Cummins. I to drove all types of Diesels for years. Starting with the 78 5. 7 in a Olds Custom Cruiser Wagon, and a Cady Seville. Went to the 6. 2 in a Surburban, to a Ford Crew Cab Dually Natual 7. 3. I saw the growing coverage in the engine compartment to the point you could not see the engine for the plumbing and wiring. Thats when I bought a 96 3/4 Cummins. Its got 177k on it now. I had the transmission rebuilt at 118k. It had towed and burned some rubber also. I have another 96 with 135K on it with no work to the transmission yet. (all automatics) The 96's get 21-23 mpg at 75mph on the highway. (3:54 Rears no 4x4)



Don't think the transmission is a issue like the 700R4 which has always been junk. But if given the choice between the Mopar auto and the Allision, I think Allision is the way to go. My six speed is lots of fun to drive and tows really well. If you want to chase a Max or a

Stroke from a light you need the automatic. The six speed is for work and 70mph roll ons.



Good Luck



Dave